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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 22) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a girl aged 15.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, developed fever and shortness of breath since February 17. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on February 18 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Her clinical diagnosis was severe pneumonia and she is currently in critical condition.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus upon laboratory testing by Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
The patient has no recent travel history. Her mother had mild upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, and she is in stable condition.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website(www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Saturday, February 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:32
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